With the weather heating up and the long weekend just around the corner, it’s that time of the year where your clients open up their cottage.
But before your clients disappear to the refuge of their cottage, brokers can offer these very simple tips to ensure that the summer is both relaxing and safe.
To help keep everyone safe during cottage season, there are some simple safety suggestions brokers can share with clients, says Alex Walker, the Director of Claims Relationships at
RSA Canada.
“Prepare and post a list of important contact numbers in a central area, say by the cottage phone or on the kitchen refrigerator,” says Walker. “And keep the list updated.”
A few must-purchases include:
- A first aid kit;
- A flashlight and spare batteries;
- One 5lb. multi-purpose (type ABC) fire extinguisher;
- A minimum of one smoke alarm per level in the cottage; and
- An ample supply of bottled drinking water.
“And when you get that first aid kit, do familiarize yourself with the contents,” advises Walker. “And everyone should know where the fire extinguisher is and how to operate it.”
Preparing the property after a rough winter
Carbon monoxide detectors are law now in Ontario, and are just good common sense for the cottage – especially those with fuel burning appliances or a wood stove.
“You should install a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector per sleeping area,” says Walker, “and don’t forget to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and to replace the batteries at the start of each season.”
Beyond the detectors, wood burning stoves or fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected annually by a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) Certified inspector, adds Walker.
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When opening your cottage again after a long winter, it’s important to re-familiarize yourself with some key safety features, which are crucial during an emergency. For example:
- Know where the electrical panel is and how to shut off the main electrical supply to the cottage;
- Know where the water supply line enters the cottage and how to shut it off; and
- Plan and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
Water, water everywhere…
If your clients or their guests have small children, constant vigilance comes with cottage, says Walker – especially around water.
“You should restrict access to water, and make sure children are wearing lifejackets when playing near or in water,” says Walker. “And always provide ‘within arm’s reach’ adult supervision.”
Good advice for anyone on or near the water is to provide life jackets, and of course – never mix drinking and boating.
“Even being careful and following the safety suggestions above accidents can still happen so be prepared,” says Walker. “One of the best forms of preparation is taking a first aid training course. Knowing what to do and being able to do it quickly can be a lifesaving difference.”
More safety tips
For more information and safety checklists that you can share with your clients, visit
RSABroker.ca for risk advice that you can share with your residential and small business clients. Here you will also find tips sheets on cottage dock safety and protecting your cottage.
You can also check out RSA’s Expert Advice article for a
boating checklist that you can share with your clients.
